Grants and Funding Programs

 Why build green?

Green buildings take advantage of natural processes to generate less waste, less pollution and reduce the overall footprint. Green development creates the environmental, economic and social benefits of:

• Increased profitability and/or return on investment
• Future protection against energy/water shortages and volatile pricing
• Improved indoor air quality
• Lower operating costs
• Increased marketability and positive brand reputation

Request any of our green technology fact sheets to learn more about the benefits of incorporating green technology into new development projects:

• Solar Hot Water System Fact Sheet
• Transpired Solar Collectors Fact Sheet
• Solar Photovoltaic System Fact Sheet
• LEED Canada Rating System

 How to apply

Make sure to include a certification, stamp or signature from an architect or engineer to verify your Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard or the green technologies you will use.

If your application is accepted your (Town portion) development charges will be discounted when the building permit is issued and we'll hold a Letter of Credit in the amount of the discount until confirmation of certification is received from the Canada Green Building Council.

Green Development Program Application

Region of Peel

The Region of Peel offers a variety of incentives to increase water efficiency and conservation. These include incentives to replace equipment and participate in environmental assessments.

Hydro One

Hydro One provides incentives for businesses to upgrade systems, install retrofits, and create high performance new developments. View all of the incentives Hydro One offers.

Enbridge Gas

Enbridge Gas will identify areas for energy efficiencies and improvements as well as equipment upgrades.

 Summer Company

The Summer Company program has helped dozens of area youth get a start in small business. Offered in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Summer Company provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship and grants of up to $3,000 to eligible students.

How to apply

Apply for Summer Company by completing the online application. Once submitted, your application will be sent to the Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) and they will follow up with you. Applications typically open in January with a deadline of early May.

You may select any SBEC, however we do suggest the Brampton Enterprise Centre or the Orangeville SBEC.

Eligibility

View the eligibility checklist to see if you meet the program requirements. Applicants must:

• be a high school, college or university student
• live in Ontario
• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• be between 15 and 29 years of age (if under 18, a parent needs to sign the application)
• not already running a business
• not work at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program
• be returning to school after the program ends

About the program

The Summer Company program offers:

• training and business skills development to help youth create business plans and prepare to run their own business for the summer
• $1,500 of start-up funding for the new business and an additional $1,500 upon successful completion of the program
• mentorship and guidance from local business professionals and consultants

 Starter Company

Starter Company+ is a training and mentorship program that is offered through the Ontario Small Business Network for individuals 18+ looking to start or grow a business.

Brampton Entrepreneur Centre the intake for this program is currently closed.

Interested participants may subscribe to their newsletter​ or follow BEC on social channels @bramptonbec for updates on the next intake which will be launching summer of 2023.

Orangeville SBEC: have a rolling intake, please contact them directly for information. 

 Futurpreneur

Futurpreneur Canada, is a national, not-for-profit corporation that provides financing, mentoring, and support tools to young Canadian entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39. 

Their Start-up Program offers young entrepreneurs with financing and mentoring to help launch their business. Through the Start-up Program, eligible clients could be eligible for up to $20,000 in financing directly through Futurpreneur, as well as up to an additional $40,000 through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). This would be a personally guaranteed, unsecured loan with a five-year term, where the first year would be monthly, interest-only payments. If approved, they would pair the client with a volunteer business mentor for two years.  Learn more: www.futurpreneur.ca

**NEW** Futurpreneurs Black Entrepreneur Startup Program for black entrepreneurs aged 18-39.  This program is Funded by RBC, with additional loan financing provided by BDC. This exciting new program offers up to $60,000 in start-up financing plus mentorship and resources. Learn more: www.futurpreneur.ca/en/besp

Ontario Centres of Innovation help innovators get connected with the researchers, industry partners and funding to commercialize made-in-Ontario IP and solutions.

The ShopHERE Program is for artists, retailers, food, or service registered businesses regardless of where they operate. 

This FREE service provides a full online store build. The only cost associated is determined by the ecommerce platform chosen such as Shopify or Square. 

Register for ShopHERE

The Digital Transformation Program is focused on providing a digital assessment, online training and a one-time $2,500 grant to implement a Digital Transformation Plan to qualifying "brick and mortar" small businesses. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2023.

 Employment Ontario (Jobs Caledon)

Employment Ontario can help you train your staff and find the talent you need to make your business successful. This includes incentives for:

• hiring students and youth
• hiring apprentices
• hire a young person
• training employees
•  job creation

The local Employment Ontario office servicing Caledon and area is operated by Caledon Community Services (Jobs Caledon).

 Canada-Ontario Job Grant

The Canada-Ontario Job Grant Program provides funding opportunities for businesses that provide education and training opportunities for employees, students and more.

Canadian Business Grants and Financing

The Government of Canada offers a variety of grants and financing opportunities for business owners. Learn about all of the incentives and apply for funding today.

Innovation Canada

Innovation Canada's online concierge service helps businesses search for funding, tax credits and incentives offered by provincial and federal governments. By asking targeted questions about your business, the tool can identify relevant and available supports and programs.

National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

The NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The Canadian Government offers a variety of tax credits to business across the country. Check out the available credits to see if your business qualifies.

Grants Ontario

Grants Ontario allows you to search funding opportunities offered by the Government of Ontario by ministry or by sector.

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program uses tax incentives to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada. These tax incentives come in three forms: an income tax deduction, an investment tax credit (ITC), and, in certain circumstances, a refund.

Bank of Development Canada (BDC) 

BDC provides small and medium-sized businesses with financing, consulting services and venture capital.

FedDev Ontario

FedDev Ontario helps southern Ontario communities and businesses diversify and strengthen their local economies by helping them to become more competitive, innovative and productive.